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The Ocoee River cuts through the Cherokee National Forest in Polk County, southeastern Tennessee — not Georgia, despite sitting close to the state line. It is one of the most commercially rafted rivers in the eastern United States, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its boulder-choked gorge.
The river is divided into three distinct sections — Lower, Middle, and Upper Ocoee — each with its own character. The Middle Ocoee is the most popular, featuring a near-continuous stretch of Class III and IV rapids. The Upper Ocoee, which hosted the whitewater slalom events at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, is steeper and more demanding.
Because the Ocoee is dammed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), water levels in most sections depend on scheduled release times rather than natural flow. Checking the TVA release schedule before any trip is essential — when the water is off, large sections of the river become shallow and unraftable.
A note on location: The Ocoee River is located in Tennessee, not Georgia. The river corridor and the Cherokee National Forest land surrounding it fall within Tennessee's borders, though the Georgia state line is only a short drive south.
Before You Go
Water Release Schedule
The TVA controls water flow on most of the Ocoee. Releases are typically scheduled on weekends and some weekdays during the main season, but the calendar changes year to year. Check the TVA website or contact your outfitter well in advance to confirm release days that align with your visit.
Physical Fitness and Swimming Ability
Commercial rafting companies generally require participants to meet a minimum age and weight requirement and to be able to swim. The Middle Ocoee is considered accessible to healthy beginners with a guide; the Upper Ocoee is recommended for experienced paddlers or those seeking a more intense trip. Verify requirements with your chosen outfitter before booking.
What to Bring
- Secure, closed-toe footwear (sandals with heel straps or water shoes)
- Clothes you are comfortable getting completely soaked in (avoid cotton if possible)
- Sunscreen and a hat for time on the water
- A dry bag or waterproof case for valuables and a change of clothes
- Cash or card for outfitter fees, parking, and any extras
Permits and Outfitters
Most visitors raft with one of the licensed commercial outfitters based along US-64. Independent paddlers on the Middle and Upper sections may need a permit during release days; verify current requirements with the US Forest Service or TVA before paddling privately.
Getting There
By Car
The Ocoee River corridor runs along US Highway 64, which is the primary access road through the gorge. From Chattanooga, Tennessee, the drive is roughly 50–60 miles east, taking approximately one hour under normal conditions. From Atlanta, Georgia, expect a drive of roughly 90–110 miles north, typically 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. The town of Cleveland, Tennessee, is the nearest commercial hub and sits about 20 miles west of the gorge.
Parking
Parking areas are available along US-64 near outfitter locations and at Forest Service pullouts. During peak weekends these fill quickly, so arriving early is advisable. Some outfitters include parking in their packages; confirm this when booking.
By Public Transit
There is no meaningful public transportation to the Ocoee River gorge. A personal vehicle, rental car, or a tour package that includes transport from a nearby city is effectively required.
Getting Around
Once in the gorge, the area is linear — most activity happens along a roughly 15-mile stretch of US-64. A car is necessary to move between the Lower, Middle, and Upper sections or to reach trailheads and camping areas.
Commercial outfitters handle shuttle logistics for their guests, transporting rafters between put-in and take-out points. Independent paddlers will need to arrange their own shuttles, which often means leaving one vehicle at the take-out and driving another to the put-in, or coordinating with other groups.
Where to Stay
Accommodation directly in the Ocoee Gorge is limited to campgrounds. The Chilhowee Recreation Area and several Forest Service campgrounds in the area offer tent and RV sites; reservations are strongly recommended in summer and should be made through Recreation.gov.
Cleveland, Tennessee, is the most practical base for lodging, with national chain hotels and locally operated motels available. The Chattanooga area, about an hour west, provides a broader selection of hotels and vacation rentals for those who prefer a city base with easy day-trip access to the river. Verify availability and current rates directly with properties or booking platforms.
Things to See & Do
Whitewater Rafting
Rafting is the defining activity. The Middle Ocoee offers approximately 5 miles of nearly continuous whitewater with rapids like Double Suck, Hell's Gate, and Diamond Splitter. The Upper Ocoee, shorter but more technical, was engineered for Olympic competition and features steeper drops. Several licensed outfitters operate on both sections; prices and package inclusions vary, so compare options and read reviews before booking.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Experienced kayakers paddle both the Middle and Upper sections independently on release days. Beginners can find introductory kayak instruction through some outfitters. The Upper Ocoee's technical nature makes it unsuitable for novice paddlers.
Hiking
The Cherokee National Forest surrounding the gorge has a network of trails. The Ocoee River Gorge area connects to the Hiwassee-Ocoee State Park trail system a short distance away. Benton Falls, a short and accessible hike near the Chilhowee Recreation Area, is a popular side trip.
Fishing
The Ocoee below Parksville Lake Dam holds trout and bass. Tennessee fishing regulations and licensing requirements apply; verify current rules with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before fishing.
Camping and Picnicking
The Forest Service maintains developed campgrounds near Chilhowee Recreation Area, including sites near Lake Ocoee (Parksville Lake). Sites typically require advance reservation, especially on summer weekends — verify availability and booking procedures on the Recreation.gov platform.
Food & Drink
There are no sit-down restaurants or shops within the gorge itself. Most outfitters have small concession stands or vending options at their base camps, but do not rely on these for full meals.
The town of Cleveland, Tennessee (roughly 20 miles west on US-64) is the nearest area with a full range of restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations. Ducktown and Copperhill, small towns a few miles east of the gorge near the Tennessee-Georgia state line, have a handful of local diners and convenience stores — options are limited but sufficient for basics.
Pack a cooler with snacks, water, and lunch if you plan to spend a full day in the gorge. Staying well-hydrated is important, as a day on the river is more physically demanding than it may appear.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
The Ocoee gorge is in a rural area with limited cell service in parts of the canyon. Emergency response times can be longer than in urban areas. Inform someone of your itinerary before heading out, and carry a basic first-aid kit.
Cell Service
Signal is inconsistent through the gorge on US-64. Download offline maps and any relevant information before you arrive.
Sun and Heat
Summer temperatures in the gorge can be high. Combined with sun exposure on the water, heat exhaustion is a genuine risk. Drink water consistently throughout the day.
Leave No Trace
The gorge is within a national forest. Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and follow any fire restrictions posted by the Forest Service, which change seasonally based on conditions.
Safety
All commercial rafting operators are required to provide US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) and helmets, and these must be worn at all times on the water. Do not accept a trip from any operator who does not enforce this.
Swimming in the rapids independently — outside of a guided trip — is dangerous and not recommended. Foot entrapment in fast-moving, rocky rivers is a serious hazard even for strong swimmers.
Flash flooding is possible in the region, particularly during summer thunderstorm season. If heavy rain is forecast upstream, levels can rise quickly even when a TVA release is not scheduled. Monitor weather forecasts and follow guidance from outfitters or Forest Service staff.
Driving US-64 through the gorge requires attention — the road is narrow and winding in sections, with guardrails along sheer drops. Reduce speed, stay in your lane, and avoid distracted driving, particularly when sightseeing.
